6. Involve Your Boss

Many days it seems as though your boss goes through the motions. He forwards e-mails, rarely stepping out of his office. You hardly talk, as if you work in opposing camps. Fact is, your boss is probably no different from you. He is disappointed and frustrated, worn down by turf wars and from having his ideas rejected. He probably won't get a promotion he covets. So look for ways to draw your boss out of his shell. Approach him with ideas and solicit his opinions in meetings. Increase his comfort level and maneuver him into a position from which he can contribute. You're natural allies. Capitalize on that.